Integrated-testing system

ABSTRACT

An integrated-testing system includes a meter, a lancing device and a storage case. The meter includes a housing, a display and a processor. The storage case holds the meter and the lancing device in a relatively fixed position to each other. The meter and the lancing device are maintained in the storage case in the relatively fixed position until a fluid sample is desired, at which time a first portion of the lancing device is advanced to a position external to the storage case to obtain the fluid sample and a second portion of the lancing device remains relatively fixed in the storage case while the fluid sample is obtained.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/194,574 filed Sep. 29, 2008 entitled“Integrated-Testing System”, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a testing system fordetermining information relating to an analyte in a fluid sample. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an integrated-testingsystem including a meter, a lancing device and a storage case thatallows a user to use the meter and lancing device while positioned inthe storage case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of greatimportance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physiologicalabnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol and bilirubin should bemonitored in certain individuals. In particular, determining glucose inbody fluids is important to diabetic individuals who must frequentlycheck their blood glucose levels to regulate the glucose intake in theirdiets.

One method of obtaining a body fluid sample, such as a whole bloodsample, is to use a lancing device. Existing lancing devices use alancet to pierce the tissue of the skin, allowing a blood sample to formon the skin's surface. The whole blood sample may then be used todetermine the glucose concentration of an individual via a testingmeter. In some current testing devices, the meter and the lancing devicemay be integrated into a single testing device. This has the advantagesof having fewer items to handle during the testing. However, having themeter and lancing device within a single testing device provides for abulkier testing device. Bulkier devices are more difficult for elderlypersons, vision-impaired or less-experienced users to operate.Additionally, the testing device may be less reliable because of theadded complexity involved in integration and because if either piecefails, both must be replaced.

Therefore, there exists a need for an integrated-testing system thatovercomes these disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an integrated-testing system for determininginformation related to an analyte in a fluid sample is disclosed. Theintegrated-testing system includes a meter, a lancing device and astorage case. The meter includes a housing, a display and a processor.The lancing device is adapted to obtain the fluid sample. The storagecase holds the meter and the lancing device in a relatively fixedposition to each other. The meter and the lancing device are maintainedin the storage case in the relatively fixed position until a fluidsample is desired, at which time a first portion of the lancing deviceis advanced to a position external to the storage case to obtain thefluid sample and a second portion of the lancing device remainsrelatively fixed in the storage case while the fluid sample is obtained.

In one method, information relating to an analyte in a fluid sample isdetermined. A storage case is provided and includes a meter and alancing device. The storage case holds the meter and the lancing devicein a relatively fixed position to each other. A first portion of thelancing device is moved to a position external to the storage case whilemaintaining a second portion of the lancing device in the storage case.A fluid sample is obtained by lancing in which the first portion of thelancing device remains external to the storage case and the secondportion of the lancing device remains within an interior of the storagecase. A fluid sample is applied to the test sensor. Information relatingto the analyte in the fluid sample is determined when the meter islocated in the storage case and the test sensor is located in thetest-sensor opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 a is a front plan view of an integrated-testing system includinga storage case, a meter and a lancing device according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 1 b is a front plan view of the integrated-testing system of FIG. 1a showing the lancing device in a lancing position.

FIG. 1 c is a front plan view of the integrated-testing system of FIG. 1a showing the lancing device in a post-lancing position before beingretracted within the storage case.

FIG. 2 a is a front plan view of a meter, storage case and lancingdevice-attachment feature according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 b is a front plan view of the meter and storage case of FIG. 2 awith the addition of a lancing device being a retracted position.

FIG. 2 c is a front plan view of the meter and storage case of FIG. 2 awith the lancing device of FIG. 2 b extended and cocked ready for use.

FIG. 2 d is an enlarged view of the lancing device shown in FIGS. 2 b, 2c.

FIGS. 3 a-3 f are front plan views of the lancing device of FIG. 2 d ina sequence of operational positions according to one method.

FIG. 4 a is a front plan view of a meter, storage case and lancetdevice-attachment feature according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 b is a front plan view of the meter and storage case of FIG. 4 awith the addition of a lancing device being a retracted position.

FIG. 4 c is a front plan view of the meter and storage case of FIG. 4 awith the lancing device of FIG. 4 b extended and cocked ready for use.

FIG. 4 d is an enlarged view of the lancing device shown in FIGS. 4 b, 4c.

FIGS. 5 a-5 d are front plan views of the lancing device of FIG. 4 d ina sequence of operational positions according to one method.

FIG. 6 a is a front plan view of the meter and storage case of FIG. 4 ato be used with the lancing device of FIG. 6 b according to a furtherembodiment.

FIG. 6 b is an enlarged view of the lancing device to be used with themeter and storage case of FIG. 6 a.

FIGS. 7 a-7 d are front plan views of the lancing device of FIG. 6 b ina sequence of operational positions according to one method.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 a-1 c illustrate an embodiment of the integrated-testing system10 for determining information (i.e., a concentration) relating to ananalyte in a fluid sample. The integrated-testing system 10 comprises ameter 12 including a housing 14, a display 16 and a processor 18. Theintegrated-testing system 10 may further include a storage area 19. Asshown in FIG. 1 b, the fluid sample may be applied to a test strip 40through a test-sensor opening 42 in the meter. The fluid sample isanalyzed with the meter 12 to determine the concentration of the analyteto be examined. Such results may be shown on the display 16, which istypically an LCD display, but may be another type of display. The testsensors may be stored in the storage area 19. Examples of the types ofanalytes that may be collected include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g.,cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobinAl_(r), fructose, lactate, or bilirubin. It is contemplated that otheranalyte concentrations may be determined. The analytes may be in, forexample, a whole blood sample, a blood serum sample, a blood plasmasample, other body fluids like ISF (interstitial fluid) and urine, andnon-body fluids.

The integrated-testing system 10 further includes a lancing device 20for obtaining the fluid sample. The lancing device 20 includes a lancet22 for piercing the skin of a user to obtain a fluid sample. The lancet22 is held within the lancing device 20 when the lancet 22 is not inuse, so as to shield the user from injury as well as to assist inpreventing or inhibiting contamination. The lancing device 20 typicallyincludes a lancing mechanism 24 for positioning the lancet 22 to take afluid sample. The lancing mechanism 24 may include a button 26 tomomentarily extend the lancet 22 from the lancing device 20 and lancethe skin of the user. In another aspect, the lancing may be momentarilyextended from the lancet 22 by providing pressure against a surface(e.g., a finger).

The meter 12 and the lancing device 20 of FIGS. 1 a-1 c are housed in astorage case 30. The storage case 30 may include a relatively rigid baseportion 32 and a relatively flexible portion 34. The relatively rigidbase portion 32 may be made of a polymeric material such asmolded-polymeric material. Polymeric materials that may be used informing the storage case include polycarbonate, ABS, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thin metals orcombinations thereof. The relatively rigid base portion may includepins, guides, clips or other components that connect with the lancingdevice to control movement and operation of the lancing device.Additionally, the relatively rigid base portion may further include, forexample, clips, guides, elastomeric attachments or other attachments forholding the meter into a specific location of the storage case.

The relatively flexible portion 34 of the storage case 30 that isadapted to be manipulated to allow a user to access a front portion 36of the meter 12 and the lancing device 20. The relatively flexibleportion 34 may comprise an artificial fiber fabric (e.g., a nylon, apolyester, a vinyl or an acrylate) or a natural fabric material (e.g.,canvas, cotton or rayon). The relatively flexible portion 34 is adaptedto be folded, twisted, bent, pushed or otherwise maneuvered to enablethe user to obtain a fluid sample via the lancing device 20.Furthermore, the flexible nature of the relatively flexible portion 34of the storage case 30 allows the meter 12 to remain in the storage case30 while the user inserts a test sensor 40 into the meter 12. The testsensor 40, once inserted into the meter 12, extends sufficiently fromthe meter 12 to receive a fluid sample for testing, as shown in FIG. 1b, and is available for receiving a fluid sample that has been obtainedvia the lancing device 20.

In another aspect, the storage case may omit a relatively flexibleportion and instead have the storage case being made only of arelatively rigid portion. In such an aspect, the storage case includes arelatively rigid portion that is slid or hinged so as to allow thestorage case to be moved in a direction to expose the meter forinserting a test sensor and exposing the lancing device to lance a user.

The integrated-testing systems of the present invention described hereinare advantageous over existing systems in which the lancing device andmeter are not accessible while in the storage case. In such systems, thelancing device and meter must generally be removed from the storage casebefore obtaining a fluid sample and placing it on the test sensor. Theintegrated-testing systems allow for a simpler, more convenient systemfor a user to access and use the meter 12 and lancing device 20 whilebeing positioned in the storage case 30. The integrated-testing systemsof the present invention further protect the meter 12 and lancing device20 from being misplaced, broken or contaminated while being carried by auser in, for example, a purse, pocket, bag or another storage item.

The meter 12 is positioned in the storage case 30 in a relatively fixedposition with respect to the lancing device 20. The meter 12 may be heldand located within the storage case 30 via locating and holding featuressuch as clips, guides, elastomeric materials or other attachmentcomponents. Similarly, the lancing device may be held and positioned inthe storage case 30 via locating and holding features such as pins,guides, clips or other components.

As mentioned above, the storage case 30 holds the meter 12 and thelancing device 20 in a relatively fixed position until a fluid sample isdesired. When a user desires to obtain a fluid sample, the user mayadvance a portion of the lancing device 20 to a position external to thestorage case 30, as shown in FIG. 1 b. In this position, the lancingdevice 20 is used to obtain a fluid sample. While the lancing device 20is in the position shown in FIG. 1 b, a user can initiate the lancingmechanism 24 by pressing the firing button 26 to eject the lancet 22from the lancing device 20 and lance the skin of the user. Once a fluidsample is obtained, it may be applied to the test sensor 40 extendingfrom the meter 12. FIG. 1 c shows the lancet 22 after being retractedwithin the lancing device 20.

The lancet may be moved to a lancing position by a variety of methods.For example, the lancet may be moved by a plurality of pushing motions,rotating motions, or pulling motions.

Referring to FIGS. 2 a-2 d, an integrated-testing system 100 is shownaccording to another embodiment. The integrated-testing system 100includes a meter 112, a lancing device 120, a storage case 130 and aplurality of pins 140 a, 140 b. For more clarity, the pins are enlargedin FIG. 2 a as compared to FIGS. 2 b, 2 c. The meter 112 includeshousing 114, a display 116 and a processor 118. As shown best in FIG. 2d, the lancing device 120 includes a lancet 122 and a lancet housing orbody 124. The plurality of pins 140 a,b is in fixed relation to thestorage case 130 (FIGS. 2 a-2 c). The lancing device 120 is attached tothe storage case 130 via the plurality of pins 140 a,b as showngenerally in FIGS. 2 a-2 c.

The lancing device 120 is moved from its position of FIG. 2 b to aposition in which a portion thereof is extended from the storage case130. A non-limiting example of such a position is shown in FIG. 2 c. Thelancet 122 is also cocked in this position of FIG. 2 c. To be movedbetween the positions of FIG. 2 b and FIG. 2 c, the lancing device 120is moved in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 2 b and 2 c. Aftertriggering, the lancing device 120 is retracted back into the storagecase. In one method, the lancing device 120 is retracted by pushing asecond time in the direction of arrow A, causing the lancet body 124 toretract into the storage case 130 by moving in the direction of arrow B.Thus, in summary, a user presses down once to push out the lancet andpushed again to release and retract. It is contemplated that the lancingdevice may be retracted by other methods.

The lancet body 124 moves or slides with respect to the storage case 130on the pins 140 a,b, which are fixed to the storage case 130 as shown inFIGS. 2 a-2 c. Thus, the lancet body 124 is fixed to the storage case130 via pins the 140 a, 140 b. The lancet body 124 is moved with thepins 140 a,b in conjunction with the plurality of openings or slots 142a, 142 b. Thus, the lancet body 124 can move the distance of theopenings 142 a, 142 b. The cylinder 144 is fixed to the lancet body 124so any movement of the lancet body 124 results in a correspondingmovement of the cylinder 144.

A ring 146 is adapted to rotate freely around the cylinder 144. The ring146 forms a groove 148 therearound. The groove 148 fixes the ring 146 tothe pins 140 a, 140 b, but allows the ring 146 to rotate with respect tothe cylinder 144. The ring 146 is also internally structured with aplurality of longer flutes 150 and a plurality of shorter flutes 152.The ring 146 alternates between the longer flutes 150 and the shorterflutes 152. Each of the flutes 150, 152 is adapted to mate with a fin154 of the cylinder 144. The fin 154 is an extended width portion of thecylinder 144. Upper ends 152 a of the shorter flutes 152 determine theextended position of the lancet body 124. The retracted position of thelancet body 124 may be determined either by an upper end of the longerflute 150 (if closed) or respective lower ends 142 c, 142 d (FIG. 3 b)of the openings 142 a, b. The lower ends of both the longer and shorterflutes 150, 152 are curved. As the top of the cylinder fin 154 exits agroove, this curve rotates the ring 146 to prevent or inhibit thecylinder fin 150 from re-entering the same groove but rather to enterthe neighboring groove. As a result, each time the cylinder fins 154enters the flutes of the ring 146, it alternates between a longer flute150 and a shorter flute 152. Because the position of the ring 146 isfixed by the pins 140 a, 140 b the position of the lancet body 124alternates between extended and retracted positions.

The lancing device 120 also includes a trigger 160. The trigger 160 isshown in FIG. 2 d as being in a generally horizontal configuration. Thetrigger 160 is held in this position by a body-retraction spring 162,which also assists in retracting the lancet body 124 with respect to thestorage case 130. The trigger 160 rotates upwardly (in the direction ofarrow B) about one of the pins 140 b to fire the lancet 122. The lancet122 is driven by the lancet-drive spring 164 in the direction of arrowA. The travel of the lancet-drive spring 164 is limited by a stop 166.The lancet 122 is returned to its retracted position by thelancet-return spring 168.

The operation sequence of the lancing device 120 according to one methodis shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 f. FIG. 3 a shows the lance body 124 in theretracted position, which is inside the storage case. Referring to FIG.3 b, the lance body 124 is moved or pushed in a generally downwarddirection (direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 b) such that tops 154 a of thecylinder fins 154 disengage from the longer flutes 150 and the ring 146is rotated by the end curves of the longer flutes. At the same time, thetrigger 160 contacts a surface 122 a of the lancet 122 and pulls it backagainst the pressure of the lancet-drive spring 164. In FIG. 3 c, thelance body 124 is released and the spring tension of the body-retractionspring 162 pulls the lance body 124 slightly back such that the cylinderfins 154 enter and stop in the short flutes 152 of the ring 146. At thispoint, the lancet 122 is ready for use with the lancet 122 cocked andthe lancing body 124 extended out over the storage case.

As shown in FIG. 3 d, the trigger 160 is rotated and raised duringfiring, releasing the lancet 122, which travels rapidly downward(direction of arrow A) until being halted by the stop 166. The tip 122 bof the lancet 122 momentarily extends out of the lancing body 124 (FIG.3 e) and lances the skin (e.g., a finger of a user). After the lancing,the lancing body 124 as shown in FIG. 3 f is pushed forward once more sothat the tops 154 a of the cylinder fins 154 disengage from the shorterflutes 152 and the ring 146 is rotated by the end curves of the shorterflutes 152. Releasing the lancet body 124 allows spring tension of thebody-retraction spring 162 to pull the lancing body 124 back such thatthe cylinder fins 154 enter and travel through the longer flutes 150 ofthe ring 146. During this retraction, the top of the lancet 122 rotatesthe trigger 160 out of the way, the lancet-return spring 168 pushes thelancet 122 off the stop 166 and the lancing device returns to theconfiguration of FIG. 3 a.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a-4 d, an integrated-testing system 200 is shownaccording to another embodiment. The integrated-testing system 200includes a meter 112, a lancing device 220, the storage case 130, theplurality of pins 140 a,b and a pivot 250. As discussed above, the meter112 includes the housing 114, the display 116 and the processor 118. Thelancing device 220 (FIG. 4 d) includes a lancet 222, a lancet housing orbody 224, an operational grip 226 and a cam 228. The pins 140 a,b andthe pivot 250 are in fixed relation to the storage case 130. The lancingdevice 220 is attached to the storage case 130 via the pins 140 a,b asshown in FIGS. 4 a-4 c. The pivot 250 assists in attaching the lancingdevice 220 to the storage case.

The lancing device further includes a trigger 260, a body-retractionspring 262, a lancet-drive spring 264, a stop 266 and a lancet-returnspring 268. These elements function generally similar to that describedabove in FIG. 2 d with respective elements—the trigger 160, thebody-retraction spring 262, the lancet-drive spring 264, the stop 266and the lancet-return spring 268.

In the integrated-testing system 200 of FIGS. 4 a-4 d, the operationalgrip 226 is rotated about 180° to extend the lancet body 224 from thestorage case 130 and cock the lancet 222. The lancet body 224 isextended from the storage case 130 by moving or sliding in the generaldirection of arrow C. This is also shown by comparing the locations ofthe lancing device 220 in FIG. 4 b and FIG. 4 c. After triggering, theoperating grip 226 may be further rotated by about 180° to retract thelancet body 224 back into the storage case 130. The lancet body 224 isretracted back into the storage case 130 by moving or sliding in thegeneral direction of arrow D. The operational grip 226 of FIGS. 4 b-4 dattaches to the cam 228. Both the operational grip 226 and the cam 228rotate about the pivot 250. The rotational use of the operational grip226 is a convenient way for a user to rotate and operate the cam 228.The pivot 250 is attached to the storage case 130, resulting in rotationof the cam 228 that moves or pushes the lancet body 224 to an extendedposition against the tension of the body-retraction spring 262. Thefixed pins 140 a,b, which are attached to the storage case 130, guidethe sliding motion of the lancet body 224. It is contemplated that othercomponents may be attached to the storage case to rotate and operate thecam.

Referring to FIGS. 5 a-5 d, the various operational positions of thelancing device 220 of the integrated-testing system 200 are shown.Referring initially to FIG. 5 a, the lancet body 224 is in the retractedposition. The operational grip 226 is rotated by about 180° about thepivot 250, which also rotates the cam 228. The face of the cam 228 movesor pushes the lancet body 224 forward (in the direction of arrow C) andpartially out of the storage case 130 against the tension of thebody-retraction spring 262. At the same time, the trigger 260 contacts asurface 222 a of the lancet 222 and moves it back against the pressureof the lance-drive spring 264. The movement of the lancet body 224 isguided by the pins 140 a,b that are fixed to the storage case 130. Thepin 140 a is coupled with the trigger 260. At this point, as shown inFIG. 5 b, the lancet 222 is ready for use. Specifically, the lancet 222is cocked and the lancet body 224 is extended out over the storage case130.

As shown in FIG. 5 c, the trigger 260 is rotated and raised duringfiring, which releases the lancet 222. The lancet 222 travels rapidly ina generally downwardly fashion (in the direction of arrow C). The lancet222 is halted by the stop 266 with the tip 222 b momentarily extendingout of the lancet body 224 (FIG. 5 d). The tip 222 b at this point canlance a portion of the skin such as, for example, a finger or analternative-site location. The operating grip 226 is again rotated by180°, operating the cam 228 and allowing the lancet body 224 to beretracted into the storage case 130 by tension of the body-retractionspring 262. During retraction, a top surface of the lancet 222 rotatesthe trigger 260 out of the way, and the lancet-return spring 268 pushesthe lancet 222 off the stop 266 so as to return the lancing device 220back to the starting configuration shown in FIG. 5 a.

Referring to FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, an integrated-testing device 300 is shownaccording to a further embodiment. The integrated-testing system 300includes the meter 112, a lancing device 320, the storage case 130, thepins 140 a,b and the pivot 250. The lancing device 320 includes a lancet322, a lancet housing or body 324, an operational grip 326, a cam 328and a firing mechanism 330. The firing mechanism may be, for example, afiring button. The firing mechanism 330 of FIG. 6 b is located on anopposite end to a tip 322 b of the lancet 322. As discussed above, thepins 140 a,b are in fixed relation to the storage case 130 and thelancet body 324 moves or slides in a similar manner as lancet body 224discussed above. The lancing device 320 is attached to the storage case130 via the pins 140 a,b as shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b.

The integrated-testing device 300 is operated by force on the end of thelancing device 320 against the skin of a user. In the lancing device320, the firing mechanism 330 is used to move or push the lancing device320 against the skin of a user (e.g., a finger or alternative-sitelocation). A user applies initial pressure resulting in the lancingdevice 320 being placed in a cocked position and continued pressurefires the lancet 322.

Referring to FIGS. 7 a-7 d, the operational sequence of the lancingdevice 320 to be used in an integrated-testing system is shown.Referring initially to FIG. 7 a, the lancet body 324 is located in aretracted position. The operational grip 326 is rotated by about 180°via the pivot 250, which also rotates the cam 328. As shown in FIG. 7 b,the face of the cam 328 moves or pushes the lancing device 320 from astorage case (e.g., storage case 130 discussed above) using the firingmechanism 330. To fire the lancing device as shown in FIGS. 7 c, 7 d, auser then moves or pushes the end of the lancing device against thestorage case, which pushes the lancet body 324 back towards the storagecase. This movement depresses the firing mechanism 330, cocking and thenfiring the lancet 322. The operational grip 326 is then rotated by about180°, which moves the cam 328 and allows the lancet body 324 to beretracted into the exterior of the storage case 130.

It is contemplated that other lancing devices may be used in conjunctionwith the meter and the storage case in other embodiments.

As mentioned above, the embodiments described herein allow for anintegrated-testing system that overcomes the disadvantages of othersystems that require the removal of at least the meter, the lancingdevice, or both prior to obtaining a fluid sample for testing. Thepresent embodiments provide an integrated-testing system that allows themeter and lancing device to be held in a relatively fixed position inthe storage case. A flexible portion of the storage case can then bemanipulated such that a user can insert a test sensor into the meter,advance the lancing device such that a portion of the lancing device isexternal to the storage case, obtain a fluid sample via the lancingdevice and apply the sample to the test sensor while the meter is heldin the storage case. Furthermore, the lancing device may then beretracted within the storage case and the meter and the lancing deviceare maintained in the storage case until another test is desired.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spiritand scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated-testing system for determininginformation related to an analyte in a fluid sample, theintegrated-testing system comprising: a meter including a meter housing,a display, and a processor; a lancing device for obtaining the fluidsample, the lancing device including a lancing-device housing and alancet, the lancet being movably mounted inside the lancing-devicehousing to transition between a retracted position and a lancingposition, the lancet being disposed in the lancing-device housing whenthe lancet is in the retracted position, and the lancet protruding atleast partially from the lancing-device housing when the lancet is inthe lancing position; and a storage case holding the meter and thelancing device, wherein the storage case includes a rigid portion and aflexible material covering at least a front of the rigid portion, themeter and the lancing device being movable within the storage case bymanipulation of the flexible material, wherein the meter and the lancingdevice are maintained in the storage case and: (1) the lancing-devicehousing is moved relative to the storage case, via manipulation of theflexible material, until a first portion of the lancing device isadvanced to a position external to the storage case to obtain the fluidsample and a second portion of the lancing device remains in the storagecase while the fluid sample is obtained, and (2) the lancet is operatedto move relative to the lancing-device housing from the retractedposition to the lancing position while the lancing-device housingremains fixed relative to the storage case.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the rigid portion includes a rigid polymeric material.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the storage case includes attaching featuresto maintain the relative positions of the meter and lancing device, theattaching features include pins, guides, clips, or elastomericattachments, or any combination thereof.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the flexible material includes a flexible fabric material. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the meter includes a test sensor opening,the test sensor opening being accessible when the meter resides in thestorage case.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the test sensor openingof the meter aligns with openings in the rigid portion and the flexiblematerial of the storage case for receiving a test sensor.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the lancing device includes a cocking lever, thecocking lever assisting in keeping the second portion of the lancingdevice stationary in the storage case while the first portion of thelancing device is moved to the position external to the storage case. 8.The system of claim 7, wherein the first portion of the lancing deviceis retracted to a position inside of the storage case after a fluidsample is taken.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the lancing deviceincludes a pressure-sensitive device to initiate lancing of the user'sfinger.
 10. The system of claim 1, further including a storage areainside the storage case.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the storagearea in the storage case holds therein a plurality of test sensors. 12.The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible material at least partiallysurrounds the rigid portion of the storage case.
 13. A method fordetermining information relating to an analyte in a fluid sample, themethod comprising: providing a storage case, a meter, and a lancingdevice, the storage case holding the meter and the lancing device,wherein the storage case includes a rigid portion and a flexiblematerial covering at least a front of the rigid portion, the meter andthe lancing device being movable within the storage case by manipulationof the flexible material, the lancing device including a lancing-devicehousing and a lancet, the lancet being movably mounted inside thelancing-device housing to transition between a retracted position and alancing position, the lancet being disposed in the lancing-devicehousing when the lancet is in the retracted position, and the lancetextending from the lancing-device housing when the lancet is in thelancing position; manipulating the flexible material to move thelancing-device housing relative to the storage case until a firstportion of the lancing device is advanced to a position external to thestorage case while maintaining a second portion of the lancing device inthe storage case; operating the lancet to move relative to thelancing-device housing from the retracted position to the lancingposition while the lancing-device housing remains fixed relative to thestorage case; lancing to obtain the fluid sample while the first portionof the lancing device remains external to the storage case and thesecond portion of the lancing device remains within an interior of thestorage case; applying the fluid sample to a test sensor; anddetermining information relating to the analyte in the fluid sample whenthe meter is located in the storage case and the test sensor is locatedin a test sensor opening of the meter.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising after the lancing, retracting the first portion ofthe lancing device to a position inside of the storage case.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the applying of the fluid sample to the testsensor occurs after positioning the test sensor in the test-sensoropening of the meter.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the lancingdevice includes a button to initiate the lancing to obtain the fluidsample.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the flexible materialincludes a flexible fabric material.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinthe lancing device includes a cocking lever, the cocking lever assistingin keeping the second portion of the lancing device stationary in thestorage case while the first portion of the lancing device is moved tothe position external to the storage case.
 19. The method of claim 13,wherein the first portion of the lancing device is retracted to aposition inside of the storage case after a fluid sample is taken. 20.The method of claim 13, wherein the lancing device includes apressure-sensitive device to initiate lancing of the user's finger. 21.An analyte testing system for determining a concentration of an analytein a fluid sample received by a test strip, the analyte testing systemcomprising: a meter with a meter housing, a display attached to themeter housing, a processor stowed within the meter housing, and a testsensor opening defined in the meter housing and configured to receivetherethrough the test trip; a lancing device with a lancing-devicehousing and a lancet movably mounted inside the lancing-device housingto transition between a retracted position, whereat the lancet isdisposed entirely inside the lancing-device housing, and a lancingposition, whereat the lancet protrudes at least partially from thelancing-device housing; and a storage case removably storing therein themeter and the lancing device, the storage case including a rigidpolymeric portion and a flexible fabric portion covering at least afront of the rigid polymeric portion, both the meter and the lancingdevice being movable within and removable from the storage case bymanipulation of the flexible fabric portion, wherein the lancing-devicehousing is configured to be moved relative to the storage case, viamanipulation of the flexible fabric portion, whereby (i) a first portionof the lancing-device housing is advanced to project out of the storagecase while a second portion of the lancing-device housing remains insidethe storage case such that the lancet, when in the lancing position,projects out of the storage case, and (ii) the first portion of thelancing-device housing is moved back inside the storage case.